Front Royal, VA (USA)

Mollie got up earlier so we could go on a day trip.  After breakfast, we headed to Manassas Battlefield so Mollie could get a stamp for her National Park Passport Book.  The temperatures were almost 60 degrees.  After we walked around a bit near the Visitors Center, we drove to Shenandoah National Park, entering at around 1130.  Mollie had actually requested a hike and I was happy to oblige. It was great to be back on the trail after several months recovering from a minor surgical procedure. I chose to connect a section in the Southern District where I'd been before because I knew Mollie would like the distance, the climb and the view. And I was right... We first ate a picnic lunch at a stop along Skyline Drive and then parked at m/m 87.4 (Blackrock Gap) to begin our hike. We had a nice day with a warm sun on our shoulders and a cool breeze coming up from the valley below. Mollie clambered happily on the jagged rocks at the summit (yikes!) and then we headed down again. We logged almost 2.5 miles and then drove along about 40 miles of Skyline Drive before heading back to civilization. Just as we left the park, Mollie spotted a baby bear along the side of US-211 - we were able to see it up really close and took plenty of pictures. We drove to Front Royal (via a drive by of the Smithsonian Zoo Property) and we explored the old part of town.  Ate a good dinner at El Maguey Mexican Bar & Grill in Front Royal (finished at 1700) before driving home. We enjoyed seeing the Manassas Christmas Lights along the side of the highway as we passed them on I-66.  After we reached my apartment, we watched movies ("Emperor's Club" & "Little Women").  Bed was around 2300.  It was a great day outdoors! AT Today = 1.20 miles / Grand Total AT = 824.88 miles